Method of manufacturing and filling container

Abstract

A container, for example for herbicide, is manufactured by securing a flexible wall (8) to a rigid housing part (2), and subsequently deforming the flexible wall (8), in a plastic manner, into a predetermined configuration. A further housing part, possibly complementary to the housing part (2), may then be applied to the housing part (2) in order to provide a closed chamber which is divided by the flexible wall (8) into two compartments. The flexible wall (8) is preferably deformed into a configuration which enables it to lie, unstressed, against the internal surface of the housing part (2), so that herbicide contained in the cavity between the housing part (2) and the flexible wall (8) can flow substantially completely from the container under gravity.

I claim: 
     
       1. A method of manufacturing a liquid-filled container comprising a rigid housing, the interior of which is divided into two compartments by a flexible wall, the method comprising: (i) securing the flexible wall in a liquid-tight manner to a peripheral edge of a first rigid housing part which first rigid housing part includes an opening for the passage of liquid;   (ii) causing the flexible wall to undergo plastic deformation into a predetermined configuration which is complementary to the internal configuration of the first housing part;   (iii) securing a second rigid housing part to the first rigid housing part to enclose the flexible wall, the second rigid housing part having a vent hole for the passage of air;   (iv) displacing the flexible wall against the internal surface of the first rigid housing part;   (v) filling the container with a liquid introduced through the opening in the first rigid housing part to cause the flexible wall to be displaced away from the internal wall of the first rigid housing part, air being vented through the vent hole in the second rigid housing part.   
     
     
       2. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which the flexible wall is secured to the peripheral edge of the housing part by heat sealing. 
     
     
       3. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which the flexible wall is softened by heating before deformation into the predetermined configuration. 
     
     
       4. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which the flexible wall is deformed by forcing it into contact with a mould surface. 
     
     
       5. A method as claimed in claim 4, in which the mould surface is provided on a moulding device engaged with the housing part. 
     
     
       6. A method as claimed in claim 5, in which the flexible wall is deformed by withdrawing air, through holes provided in the moulding device, from the cavity defined between the flexible wall and the moulding device. 
     
     
       7. A method as claimed in claim 5, in which the flexible wall is deformed by admitting air, through an aperture in the housing part, into the cavity defined between the housing part and the flexible wall. 
     
     
       8. A method as claimed in claim 4, in which the mould surface comprises the internal surface of the first rigid housing part. 
     
     
       9. A method as claimed in claim 8, in which the flexible wall is deformed into contact with the internal surface of the first rigid housing part by means of a former which is inserted into the housing part. 
     
     
       10. A method as claimed in claim 9, in which means is provided for blowing air through the former at the flexible wall. 
     
     
       11. A method as claimed in claim 9, in which means is provided for heating the former. 
     
     
       12. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which the liquid with which the container is filled is a herbicide.